Minnesota’s front office intensified its pursuit of LaMelo Ball the moment Charlotte signaled a willingness to trade the All-Star point guard, according to a report by The Athletic. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly had monitored Ball “for multiple years,” hoping the Hornets might eventually listen to offers.
“He’s a true lead guard, which is hard to find,” Connelly told reporters Tuesday. “He’s only 24, and we think he can elevate us while we help elevate him.”
Finch Plans Offense Around Ball and Edwards
Head coach Chris Finch said he feels “re-energized” by the chance to construct an attack featuring Ball alongside All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards. While Edwards assumed heavier playmaking duties last season, Minnesota entered the summer intent on adding a passer who could share that load and boost the rest of the roster.
“We didn’t just need a point guard; we needed a connector,” Finch noted. “LaMelo is a pass-first All-Star who gets the ball moving and highlights our top players’ strengths.”
Background Checks and Locker-Room Fit
Questions about Ball’s maturity and work ethic prompted extensive background checks. Connelly said feedback from former Hornets coach Steve Clifford and ex-teammate Mason Plumlee was overwhelmingly positive. Minnesota also believes Ball’s upbeat style can counter the occasional moodiness that surfaced within last year’s club.
“When he’s healthy, few players impact winning more,” Connelly added. “This game is supposed to be fun, and he clearly enjoys it.”
Potential Lineup Shifts
Unless free-agent LeBron James unexpectedly chooses Minnesota, the projected starting group could include three guards—Ball, Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu—with Jaden McDaniels sliding to power forward. Finch, however, cautioned against assuming McDaniels will open games at the four. “I don’t immediately picture Jaden starting there,” the coach said, adding that McDaniels will see minutes at both forward spots as matchups dictate.
Beringer’s Expanded Role
Rookie big man Joan Beringer saw limited action after being drafted in 2025 but is expected to fill a larger front-court role in Year 2 following the departures of Julius Randle and Naz Reid. “He’s exactly the self-motivated, tough player we look for,” Connelly explained. “Defensively he can be huge, and he rarely makes offensive mistakes.”
Initially viewed strictly as a center, the 19-year-old is logging extra summer reps at power forward. Coaches have been intrigued by his ball-handling and perimeter defense. Beringer opened Las Vegas Summer League play with 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in 25 minutes, then sat out subsequent games with back tightness—a precautionary move, the team said.
The Timberwolves continue to highlight their young core and emerging roster flexibility as selling points for potential free agents, Connelly added earlier this week.
Source: HoopsRumors
